USA > Missouri > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Missouri > Part 35
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cemetery at that place. The children of Almon and Mary (Birk) White are as follow: Mrs. Sarah L. McVay, wife of James W. McVay, died in In- dependence, Mo., in 1916; Alfred, a retired merchant, Independence, Mo .; Mary Ann, wife of B. A. Atwell, died in Independence in 1918; Isaac N., of this review; Prof. S. E. White, for 30 years taught school in the South, resides in Georgia; Lucinda J., widow of W. S. Loar, resides in Independ- ence; T. R. White, a merchant and farm owner, Lowery City, Mo .; Eliza- beth, widow of William McConnell, lives in Nebraska; Eliza H., wife of Henry Macauley, Oakland, Calif .; W. A. O). White, Independence, has been blind since boyhood.
Isaac N. White received his primary education in the public schools of Missouri and Iowa, and studied for one year in the Gallatin, Mo., Acad- emy. He then taught a number of terms of school in Missouri and Iowa. After pursuing a course of study in Bowen's College, Hopkinton, Iowa, he again taught school and completed his education in Western College, Iowa. This college at that time was under the control of the United Brethren Church denomination. Mr. White taught school in Iowa until 1868, and then became interested in the religious doctrines of the Latter Day Saints and joined this sect. Since becoming a member of his church he has spent the past half century and more in the ministry of his church. Rev. White has preached the gospel according to his belief in many parts of the United States, and for 16 years was associated with the "Quorum of Twelve" of his church, and was minister in general charge of what was known among their people as Mission No. 2, comprising Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Central and Southern Illinois.
Mr. White was ordained a priest on Aug. 9, 1868, at Newton, Iowa. He was ordained an elder at Newton, Iowa, on Oct. 23, 1870. He was ordained as president of the Second Quorum of Elders on April 14, 1884, at Stewartsville, Mo. He was ordained a Seventy at Lamoni, Iowa, on April 10, 1886; ordained one of the Presidency of Seventy at Independence, Mo., April 12, 1888; ordained an Apostle at Lamoni, Iowa, April 12, 1897; ordained Evangelist-Patriarch, April 19, 1913, at Lamoni, Iowa. Most of these ordinations took place at their World's General Conferences.
Mr. White was united in marriage with Emily Trussel, in Jasper County, Iowa, on Aug. 16, 1865. This marriage has been blessed with 11 children: Alfred Delbert, resides at Tidwell Station, Jackson County, is engaged in real estate in Kansas City, Mo .; Mrs. Eva E. Custead, Inde- pendence, Mo .; Mrs. Cora E: Tonnahill, Independence, Mo .; Ammon, en- gaged in evangelistic work for the Latter-Day Saints Church, and now
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located for missionary work at Boise, Idaho; O. C. White, owner of the "Lone Pine Farm," north of Independence, is in the automobile manufac- turing business in Kansas City, Mo .; Mark Sherman White, known as "The Candy Man," who built up and conducted a wholesale candy business during the last 19 or 20 years in Independence, Mo., has now retired from that business, and lives in Independence; Capt. Isaac N. White, the soldier of the family ; Corda Leona, wife of George Hulmes, banker, Independence, Mo., has been musical director of the Stone Church for the past four years ; Monnie Fay, wife of B. C. Johnson, Savanna, Ill., her husband being in charge of the railway shops in Savanna; Bessie Emma died when three years of age ; Helen died at the age of four years.
Capt. Isaac N. White, an attorney at law, enlisted in the United States Army in 1917, and attended the officers training camp at Camp Sheridan. He was commissioned a first lieutenant, and was then sent to Camp Gor- don, Georgia, and there received his captains commission. He was retained at Camp Gordon as an instructor, and served for two years in the army during the World War. He is now located at Akron, Ohio.
For the past 28 years Mr. White has resided at 1006 Maple street. His long life has been well spent in behalf of the souls of his fellow men. Mr. White has not only been of great use to his fellow men during his long and active career as a minister of the gospel, but he has reared a large and splendid family of sons and daughters who occupy high places in the civic and business life of their respective communities. As a minister he has much to his credit; as a citizen he ranks among the best in the world. Had he done no more than to have reared his large family to maturity, this aged gentlemen would have won a high place in the annals of his adopted county and city.
T. W. Clay, proprietor of the Clay-Oakland Motor Company, 306 West Maple street, Independence, Mo., was born in Shelby county, Mo., Jan. 6, 1882. He is a son of John M. and Sarah (Barton) Clay, both of whom were natives of Shelby County.
John M. Clay now resides at Clarence, Mo. He is a son of John Clay, who came from Kentucky and settled in Shelby County in pioneer days. He was a full cousin of Henry Clay, the famous statesman, and was a suc- cessful practicing attorney, who was often consulted by his kinsman, the statesman. Sarah (Barton) Clay died at Clarence, Mo., Oct. 6, 1913. The children born to John M. and Sarah (Barton) Clay are as follow: Mrs. Gertie Chinn, Clarence, Mo .; Mrs. Virginia Bruce, Argentine, Kan .; H. M. Clay, Independence; Mrs. L. M. Chinn. Clarence, Mo .; J. G. Clay, soldier in
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the regular army of the United States, first enlisted in Kansas City in 1912, served one year in France as military policeman, and is now stationed at Newport News, Va. He served four years in the Philippines.
The education of T. W. Clay was obtained in the public schools of Lentner, Mo. When he was 18 years old he came to Kansas City and entered high school, paying his way through school by carrying the news- papers. After completing the high school course he worked his way through Central Business College. For ten years he was with the circula- tion department of the Kansas City "Star." For two years he had charge of the circulation department of the Kansas City "Post." Leaving the "Post" he held a similar position on the staff of the Indianapolis "Daily Times" for two and a half years. His next position was with the New York "Evening Mail," as circulation manager for three years, resigning this position to associate himself as retail manager of the Kansas Oakland Automobile Company, with E. W. Arrowsmith. Eighteen months later he took the agency for the Oakland automobile and the Scripps-Booth at In- dependence, Mo., Feb. 1, 1910. Mr. Clay caters to the Oakland trade only, and during the past season has done over $100.000 worth of business.
Mr. Clay was married in April, 1906, to Miss Daisy Winters, of Kan- sas City, Mo., a daughter of W. J. Winters. The Clay family residence is located at 309. River boulevard. Mr. Clay is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
August E. Ahmann, retired farmer, residing at 420 North Liberty street, Independence, Mo., was born in Warren County, Mo., Feb. 5, 1864. He is a son of Frederick J. and Caroline (Schuster) Ahmann, both of whom were natives of Warren County.
Frederick J. Ahmann was born Aug. 13, 1837, and his wife, Caroline, was born June 6, 1840. Frederick was the son of Jacob Ahmann, who emi- grated from Germany to America about 1832, and located in Warren County, Mo., purchasing a farm near Marthasville, where he resided until his death, in 1864. He was a Republican, and voted for Abraham Lin- coln. Frederick J. Ahmann still lives on his farm in Warren County, and is now 82 years of age. Mrs. Ahmann is over 79 years old. They are the parents of the following children: August E., subject of this sketch ; Louis, St. Louis, Mo .; Frank, St. Charles, Mo .; John, a merchant and grain dealer at Marthasville, Mo .; Emma, wife of William Schoppenhorst, on the home place in Warren County.
August E. Ahmann lived in his native county until 1895. In March of that year he came to Jackson County, and purchased the Jacob Zum-
A. E. AHMANN, WIFE AND SON.
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walt place of 100 acres, three miles north of Levasy, in Fort Osage town- ship. He next bought 100 acres more, making 200 acres in all in the Ahmann farm. Mr. Ahmann improved his acreage with a handsome, two- story residence, and built up a fine farm, which he successfully cultivated until 1915, when he removed to a home in Independence. The Ahmann farm consists principally of Missouri River bottom land, and is situated three-fourths of a mile from the old Matthews steamboat landing on the Missouri. Mr. Ahmann purchased the William Bridges residence, on Lib- erty street, upon his removal to the city.
Mr. Ahmann was married Feb. 21, 1895, to Amelia Knoepker, of Warren County, a daughter of William and Minnie (Schowerngerdt) Knoepker, both of whom died in Warren County. Mr. and Mrs. Ahmann have one son, Elmer, aged 18 years, who was born in Jackson County, and is a student in Independence High School.
Mr. and Mrs. Ahmann are members of the Evangelical church of Inde- pendence, and he is a Republican.
Dr. Charles W. Fuchs, jeweler and optician, was born in Cooper County, Missouri, in 1854. He was a son of Conrad and Henrietta Fuchs, both of whom are deceased. Conrad Fuchs died on his farm near Pilot Grove, Mo., in 1857, and his widow died in Boonville, Mo., several years later, in 1870. Dr. Fuchs has a sister, Nettie Fuchs, living at Appleton City, Mo.
Dr. Fuchs received his professional education at the Southwestern Optical College, and the Chicago Optical College, and the St. Louis Optical College, and is thoroughly grounded in the science of his profession. He learned the trade of jeweler in St. Louis, Mo. He followed the jewelry and optical business at Fayette, Mo., for 30 years prior to locating in Independ- ence, in 1900. He opened a store on the south side of the square, and in 1904 he purchased the building now occupied by Betts Brothers jewelry store, and the Cook and Dillingham shoe store.
Dr. Fuchs occupies the upper floor with his optical offices and stock of optical goods. Since taking possession of this building, which was erected in about 1840, he has thoroughly remodeled it and converted it into a modern business structure. It is now one of the imposing buildings of the city. This building is of decided historical interest. It is three stories in height, the third story having been used in former days as the lodge room of the Masons and Odd Fellows, probably one of the first meeting places of the Masons in the city.
The father of William Z. Hickman. author of this history. sawed the timbers used in the construction of the Fuchs building, and the frames were
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fastened together with wooden pins. Rooms on the second floor are being fitted up for a photograph gallery, and the third floor is being refitted for lodge purposes. Mr. Jones erected this building and also built the Jones Hotel adjoining, about 80 years ago.
Dr. Fuchs was married in 1882 to Mary H. Tieman, of Fayette, Mo., a daughter of William F. and Helen Tieman, pioneers of Howard County, Missouri. Mrs. Tieman is deceased. Mr. Tieman resides in Fayette, and is over 89 years of age. He has two sons, Edward Charles and Charles Edward Tieman, the latter of whom is a jeweler and optician at California, Mo., and the former is employed in the pension department at Washington, D. C.
Dr. Fuchs and wife have a daughter, Carrie Helen, wife of E. K. Crow, of Independence. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Crow taught school in Inde- pendence and Kansas City for seven years. Two sons of Dr. Fuchs, Edward and Harry, died in infancy. Dr. and Mrs. Fuchs reside at 211 South Pleasant street.
Dr. Fuchs is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.
James Leroy Campbell, founder and proprietor of the Independence Radiator Company, 218 West Lexington street, Independence, Mo., had the right idea when he decided that there was a pressing demand for expert radiator repair men, and accordingly spent several years in learning all about radiators, how to repair them and how to build them. His success since opening up his shop, in November, 1919, is ample evidence that his place is filling a long-felt want among automobile owners in this vicinity. One of Mr. Campbell's specialties is the installation of the government's appliance for the prevention of the freezing and bursting of radiators in extremely cold weather. He uses the identical methods of fixing radiators so as to prevent their freezing as is used on the airplanes. The plan pro- vides for perfect radiation at all times regardless of the weather conditions.
Mr. Campbell was born in Jackson County, Dec. 11, 1897, and is a son of Robert Thomas and Louise (Taber) Campbell, his mother belonging to a Jackson County pioneer family. At the time of the great flood in 1903, Thomas Campbell resided on a farm in the east bottoms. He is now em- ployed as chief engineer at the Heims Brewery, Kansas City, Mo. He was born in 1876. The children of the Campbell family are: James Leroy, of this sketch, and Ruth Elizabeth.
After attending the Kansas City public schools and graduating from the Jackson school, James L. Campbell learned the trade of radiator re-
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pairing and copper working at the O. K. Auto Radiator Company's plant, Kansas City, Mo. For five years he remained in the employ of this con- cern, and learned his trade thoroughly and well. From May, 1914, to March 15, 1915, he worked for $8.00 per week, and put in from 10 to 16 hours each day while learning his trade. He then received $10 per week for several months. His desire was to learn to fix radiators right and be able to do his work thoroughly. For two months during the World War he was instructor at the Rahe Army Automobile School, and was with this school when the armistice was signed. In November, 1919, Mr. Campbell came to Independence and established his shop at 218 West Lexington street. He sells new radiators and fixes old ones.
Mr. Campbell was married April 16, 1917, to Florence Scrom, a native of New York, but living in Kansas City at the time of her marriage. She is a daughter of Swart and Hattie (Casey) Scrom, the former of whom is deceased, and the latter resides at 703 Belmont, Kansas City. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have a daughter, Louise Roberta. They reside at 703 Bel- mont, Kansas City. Their postoffice address, however, is Independence, Mo. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Heroine Lodge No. 104.
The Independence Laundry Company, at 115 South Osage street, em- ploys from 32 to 40 people to handle the immense volume of work done in the plant This laundry is thoroughly equipped with modern machinery, and is the last thing in up-to-date equipment. The ventilation system is excellent and the building is so arranged that the daylight available for all departments is equal to that of a photograph gallery. The light comes practically all from the south side of the building, affording plenty of fresh air, sunshine and ventilation, one of the essential features of a well conducted laundry establishment. A boiler of 100 horse power furnishes the steam for plant operation, and three ventilating fans bring an inrush of fresh air constantly into the building. The drivers room is located downstairs, and the clean bundles of newly finished laundry never come in contact with the incoming bundles of soiled clothing. Family washings are given special attention, and are as carefully looked after as they would be in the home.
The efficient manager of the Independence Steam Laundry has had 18 years experience, having been in charge for over a year past, coming to his present position from Kansas City. He was associated in the laundry business in Marshall, Mo., going from Marshall to Kansas City, Mo.
An immense water softener, as large as a silo, changes the hard water
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to soft, by the latest scientific methods. Great care is taken in the opera- tion of the machinery of the establishment, so as to avoid tearing or dam- aging the fabrics washed.
During the past year the business has increased greatly in volume, an indication that the people of Independence thoroughly appreciate the manner in which the work is done. The Independence Laundry is one of the busiest places in Independence, and one of the city's most essential industries.
Ellis Short, wholesale lumber manufacturer and banker, Independence, Mo., was born near Indianapolis, Ind. His parents were Washington and Elizabeth (Polk) Short. He is descended on his mother's side from the well known families of Polk and Tyler, his mother having been a niece of both President Polk and President Tyler. She was also a niece of Calvin McCoy, a Baptist minister, who spent most of his life as a missionary among the Indians of the Wyandotte and Delaware tribes. In later years he had much to do with the laying out of Kansas City, where for many years he had his headquarters while attending to his mission work among the Indians. On the paternal side, Ellis Short was related to Elder McQuail, who, with the assistance of Elder Alexander Diven, from Columbia, organ- ized the first Baptist Church in Indiana. His father was a minister of the Christian Church for 40 years; but in the year 1868 he became intensely interested in the preaching of the Latter Day Saints. For several years he examined closely their doctrine, and finally connected himself with this church and was ordained a minister.
In his boyhood days, Ellis Short attended the public schools of Indiana and Iowa, and in these schools obtained the education which fitted him to become a successful man of affairs, His father owned and operated sev- eral large freighting outfits, and in the year of 1863, while Ellis Short was still a boy, his enterprising spirit led him to make an overland trip from Atchison, Kan., to Denver, Colo. The train of 40 wagons with which he was traveling, was attacked by Indians at O'Fallon's Bluff, 200 miles east of Denver, Colo., and but for the timely arrival of a squadron of soldiers, the party would doubtless have been annihilated. In 1877 he went to near Tuskahoma, the capital of the Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory, now Okla- homa, where for 14 years he was engaged in the wholesale lumber busi- ness, and was also a licensed trader and merchant among the Choctaws and Chickasaws, his partner in this venture being W. R. Pickering, member of the well known firm, The W. R. Pickering Lumber Company. In 1887 Ellis Short located permanently in Independence, Mo. He became one of
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the charter members of the Jackson County Bank, which was organized some time after his advent in this city, and was its president for years. He is a bishop of the Latter Day Saints Church, and discharged the duties connected with that office in the territory where he had charge, acceptably to his church. Bishop Short has two children, Mrs. Dr. Amos Henry Bald- win, of Pleasant Hill, Mo., and Ellis Short, Jr., of Independence, Mo.
Lemuel C. Maddox, cashier of the Citizens Security Bank, of Engle- wood, was born in Callaway County, Missouri, April 23, 1896. He is a son of Jefferson M. and Eliza (Crump) Maddox, who reside near Fulton, in Callaway County.
Mr. Maddox was educated in the public schools and McGee College, College Mound, Mo., and Collegiate Institute, Clarence, Mo., after which he studied for one year at Gem City Business College. In June, 1915, he located in Kansas City, and was in the employ of the Commerce Trust Company, the New England National Bank, and for a short time was as- sistant cashier of the Park National Bank prior to his election as cashier of the Citizens Security Bank.
Mr. Maddox was married June 17, 1916, to Ada Belle, a daughter of George W. and Tura Morris, who reside at Jacksonville, Mo. Mrs. Maddox was born in Huntsville, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Maddox have a daughter, Mar- garet Louise. They reside at the corner of Eighteenth and Hedges streets.
A. C. Watkins, president of the Citizens Security Bank of Engle- wood, Mo., is a native of Macon County, Missouri. His parents were J. F. and L. A. (Younger) Watkins. He was educated in McGee College and Kansas City University, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1916. He received his degree after having been away from the univer- sity for 13 years. Mr. Watkins came to Jackson County in 1905, and was with the National Bank of Commerce for some time, and then engaged in country banking. For three years he owned the Bank of Raytown, and in 1914 he became connected with the City Bank of Kansas City, and is also interested in the Central Exchange National Bank of Kansas City. Mr. Watkins spends part of his time at Englewood. He organized the College Mound Security Bank of Macon County, and is still interested in this bank, which is located in his old home town.
Mr. Watkins was married to Bessie L. Beck, a daughter of George W. and Patience (Abney) Beck, of Miami, Okla., in 1916. They have one son, A. C. Watkins, Jr. The Watkins family residence is located at 3510 Vic- tor street, Kansas City, Mo.
The Citizens Security Bank, Englewood Station, postoffice Independ-
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ence, Mo., rural route No. 6, was organized February 22, 1919, by the fol- lowing well known citizens: A. C. Watkins, president; J. K. Hoover, vice- president ; L. C. Maddox, cashier; L. M. Baker, L. C. Browning, O. J. Hill, L. E. Holland, J. K. Hoover, L. C. Maddox, Oscar Mindrup, E. E. Morquist, A. C. Watkins, directors. The capital stock of this bank is $10,000. The deposits at this writing, December, 1919, will exceed $60,000. This con- cern transacts a general banking business and fire, tornado and automobile insurance is handled by the bank officers. This bank has a spledid future. Englewood is situated on the electric line between Kansas City and Inde- pendence, and is a thriving district, which is destined to grow in impor- tance from a business standpoint. The territory served by the bank has a population of over 3,000 inhabitants.
George W. Corey, treasurer of the Home Deposit Trust Company, In- dependence, Mo., is a native of Iowa. He was born March 20, 1867, in Greenwood County, Iowa, and is a son of George H. and Julia V. (Bailey) Corey.
One year after the birth of George W. Corey, the family removed from Iowa to Jasper County, Missouri, and resided there until the death of the father, at Carthage, in 1875. The widow and her mother, Mrs. Mary Bailey, resided in Carthage until 1888, and then came to Lees Summit, Mo., where she died. Mrs. Corey died in 1894. Two sons were born to George H. and Julia V. Corey, as follow: George W. Corey, of this review, and Harry E., a contractor, Maxwell City, N. M. Mr. Corey has a half-brother, Hiram W. Corey, a banker at Bristow, Okla. He also has a half-sister, Mrs. Minnie Maxwell, who died in 1918.
Since he attained the age of 17 years, George W. Corey has been self- supporting, and his position in the financial world of this section of Mis- souri has been won, solely, through his own efforts. He learned railway telegraphy at Lees Summit, and followed that work for 18 years. For four years Mr. Corey served as deputy county treasurer, under A. C. Warner. He was employed in the lumber business at Lees Summit for over one year, and has been connected with the Home Deposit Trust Company since its organization in 1910. From August, 1910, to July, 1918, Mr. Corey served as secretary of the Deposit Trust Company, and then became treasurer of the organization.
Mr. Corey was married in 1888 to Miss Dora Fearman, of Lees Sum- mit, Mo., a daughter of Rebecca J. Fearman, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Corey have a daughter, Gladys Corey. They reside at 119 West Sea avenue.
Mr. Corey is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Loyal Order
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of Moose, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has an interesting relic of early days in his posession, in the way of a teacher's certificate issued to his grandmother, Mrs. Mary (Manahan) Bailey, in England, April 12, 1824. This teacher's certificate is written in long hand and signed by "P. Manahan, Instructor of Youth." He also has another certificate, dated April 17, 1824, and signed by "Stephen Chase, Teacher of Youth."
Robert L. McBride, member of the firm of Yetter and McBride, con- tractors and builders, Independence, Mo., is one of the most successful men in his line in Jackson County. Since early manhood he has been a builder and contractor, and has built up a splendid reputation as an honest and trustworthy artisan, who gives and works for just pay. During years of contracting both he and his partner, Christian Yetter, prior to their form- ing the present partnership, in 1917, erected some of the finest buildings in Jackson County. Mr. McBride is a native of Jackson County. He was born at Norwood, Blue township, May 6, 1864, and is a son of William E. and Minerva (Dresser) McBride.
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